Did you know that many of the most prevalent and chronic diseases of adulthood are rooted in children’s experiences? When children experience significant adversity, this can disrupt other systems in the body, causing effects that have lifelong implications for health and well-being1. And yet, there is hope. Child-centered support and quality care fosters healthy development and can provide pathways to healing and resilience.
Children of the Nations (COTN) works in 5 countries, providing children with holistic care they need and deserve.
As the Social and Physical Care Program Leader for Children of the Nations International, I’m excited to cheer along the in-country staff as they work toward our end results.
Social care end result: children who can integrate their past experiences into their lives, maintain connections with their communities, achieve lasting and meaningful relationships, and thrive in school and in the workplace.
Physical care end result: children who are physically healthy with the ability to demonstrate and promote health in their lives, communities, and beyond.
March 2025 Update
In February, I had the incredible opportunity to spend three weeks in Uganda and Malawi. At COTN-Uganda, it was wonderful to see the campus come alive as students and teachers returned from their long holiday break. We visited many partner organizations and spent time discussing our standards of care, case management practices, and providing individualized care to children.
In Malawi, I enjoyed visiting each of the communities where we work. I joined afterschool psychosocial support groups for teens and was inspired by their enthusiasm and lively conversations. We also visited several partner organizations and envisioned how these partnerships could expand. Additionally, I spent time discussing our standards of care, and Child Protection.
This trip has not only strengthened my relationships with colleagues but also sharpened my focus and deepened my understanding of how to best support staff in these countries as they serve children in their communities. Your generous support and contributions made this transformative experience possible. By donating, you are directly empowering our efforts to provide essential services and care to children in need. Your continued support is crucial in helping us expand our reach and impact.
To keep their administrative costs as low as possible, COTN asks all of its international staff to raise funds to support their department. Will you partner with me to support these initiatives to enhance the care of COTN children around the world?
1) National Scientific Council on the Developing Child (2020). Connecting the Brain to the Rest of the Body: Early Childhood Development and Lifelong Health Are Deeply Intertwined Working Paper No. 15. Retrieved from www.developingchild.harvard.edu.